§ 64. Mr. HOGGEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the men who joined the Chemists' Section of the Royal Engineers and, in accordance with the terms of a written agreement, received the rank of corporal are to lose their chevron; and whether they are to be continued in making and projecting gas or used in any other way?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe men who enlisted in special companies of the Royal Engineers and were given the rank of corporal on enlistment will retain their rank. These men are serving overseas under the com- 821 mand of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief British Forces in the Field, and they will be employed as he directs. Obviously it is not desirable to give public explanations as to the manner in which this class of personnel will, or will not, be employed.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of these men consist of graduates holding more than one degree from our big schools and universities all over the country and they are frequently employed on navvy's work at the front?
§ Mr. TENNANTI can only say while it may be necessary so to employ some of these men I am sure such men will be the first to agree that they should be employed in the manner in which they can serve their country best.